WORCESTER — A police officer this morning shot at a man — missing him — after the man threatened the officer with a knife, officials said.

That man, identified as Hung Nguyen, 38, of 361 Cambridge St., Apt. 1, is now facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest in court.

Police were called to Mr. Nguyen's apartment around 9:45 a.m. after he reportedly threatened to hurt himself and others.

A nurse had gone to Mr. Nguyen's apartment after a doctor ordered that he have an emergency mental health evaluation, according to police.

"The situation escalated when Mr. Nguyen made statements to the nurse that he intended to harm himself and others," police said.

When police arrived, Mr. Nguyen allegedly grabbed a knife and ran from his apartment. Officers gave chase. Mr. Nguyen threatened the officers with the weapon, police said.

"During the pursuit, Mr. Nguyen threatened the officers with the knife," police said in a statement. "After being threatened with the knife, an officer discharged his department-issued firearm. There were no reported injuries."

Mr. Nguyen was apprehended on nearby Douglas Street after a short foot chase. He was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center — University Campus for evaluation, police said.

Police had been called to Mr. Nguyen's apartment several times Tuesday at the request of his physician in order serve Mr. Nguyen with paperwork ordering a mental health evaluation, police said. Officers had not been able to find him Tuesday.

Streets in the area were blocked off after Wednesday's confrontation. Neighbors reported hearing three gunshots. People stood in the rain watching as police checked the area and talked to witnesses.

One woman, who did not want to be identified, said she saw a group of officers chasing the man. They tackled him and removed a knife, she said.

Police have not identified the officer involved. According to Police Department policies, his weapon is collected as evidence and a new weapon is reissued. The officer is assigned to the chief's office during the investigation.